1 The Strange Man’s Arrival The stranger arrived early on a wintry February day He trudged through the snow carrying a small black bag in his gloved hand The journey from the Bramblehurst railway station to the Coach and Horses Inn in southern England was a long one Although he was wrapped up from head to foot the cold air stung his body His long black coat and thick gloves did little to protect him from the biting wind The brim of his hat hid every inch of his face except the shiny tip of his nose The snow fell heavily as he staggered into the inn He appeared more dead than alive as he fl ung his bag onto the ground 4
A fi re he cried In the name of mercy a room and a fi re He stamped and shook the snow off himself The innkeeper Mrs Hall greeted him at the bar After he threw some money at the woman she showed him to a room upstairs Mrs Hall lit a fi re for him in his room Then she left him alone while she went to prepare him a meal A guest that found himself in Iping in the dead of winter was a piece of luck And one who didn’t argue at the price of the room A blessing Mrs Hall promised to show herself worthy of his stay While the bacon cooked she returned to the visitor’s room with a tablecloth plates and glasses Although the fi re raged on she was surprised to see the man still dressed in wet clothes He stood with his back to her staring out the window His hands were clasped behind him and he seemed lost in thought Can I take your hat and coat sir I’ll get them dry in the kitchen Mrs Hall said 5
No he said without turning around He glanced over his shoulder I prefer to keep them on Only then did Mrs Hall notice that he wore blue glasses that covered most of his face His coat collar was turned up and covered his neck Very well said Mrs Hall As you wish In a bit the room will be warmer Hearing no reply Mrs Hall left the room Minutes later she returned with bacon and eggs Your lunch is served sir Thank you said the man without looking at her Mrs Hall would have liked to ask his name but he was short with her A man with no manners she thought When Mrs Hall returned to the kitchen she heard a chink chink chink It was Millie her helper stirring the mustard Millie Mrs Hall gasped How could I forget the mustard Surely he’ll be looking for 6
